up north michigan - Drives Road Trips and
getaways in michigan "up North"

scenic drives

The Pierce Stocking Drive, with its amazing vistas is located off state highway M-109 between Empire and Glen Arbor.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a legacy from the lumberman Pierce Stocking, is a scenic route within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Pierce Stocking scenic drive

This drive and the surrounding area have been called the most beautiful place in America. The drive is just a bit more than 7 miles and is open in the summer months only. Those 7 miles offer up some of the most beautiful over-looks in Michigan.

The covered bridge is one of the first features encountered. A pull off is provided as this is a favorite spot for photography. There are several scenic turn offs and picnic areas. Spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dune are found all along the way. The scenes from atop the 400+ foot high dunes really can be described as breathtaking. Another view is of Glen Lake, connected to Lake Michigan during the Ice Age, it is known for its remarkably blue waters.

Hiking trails lead into the forests but even staying on the road will bring you to trees that are hundreds of years old. Dune climbers flock here to take on the challenge of some of the highest and steepest dunes in the area. The sunsets here are so beautiful that many folks bring a picnic along to just enjoy the onset of evening.